ESC fires bus driver

December 18, 2012

LISBON - A woman hired by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center 14 years ago was fired on Monday.

Following a roughly 25-minute closed door session, the ESC board approved immediately terminating the employment of Connie Low, and suspending her pay from Dec. 10.

ESC Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn did not disclose specifics of the termination, although she said that it was based on a violation of the center's transportation policy and procedure regarding safety.

Low was employed as a bus driver and Vaughn said the board is currently evaluating whether her route will be eliminated or picked up by another driver. She also did not disclose what route Low was responsible for, although she said the routes aren't always the same as a result of varying enrollment throughout the county.

Vaughn also did not wish to comment on whether Low had been disciplined before the termination, but stated, "Any action we take we take a look at a total opportunity for progressive discipline."

- Entering into a one-year contract with the county Board of Developmental Disabilities for transition services, and a one-year, $10,000 contract with the Mahoning County Educational Service Center for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program 3 Project.

- Accepting the resignation of Brianne Widder, Southern Local district tutor and employing Ashley Bergman as tutor, retroactive to Dec. 3. Her salary was set at step zero for the 2012-13 school year. Board President Richard Stoudt abstained from the vote.